Return to Eastlands

"27 Minutes of Brilliance"

Tomorrow sees a return to Manchester City and an opportunity to show that Arsenal are legitimate contenders for the title. Last year was memorable for two reasons, one a display of arrogance and the other a display of poor football. Adebayor revealing to the world why he was no longer wanted at the Emirates and the Gunners looking very tired indeed following an international break. Despite a solid starting lineup, the team looked sluggish and uninspired.

This year there will be no Bellamy, which pleases me no end as he is one of those players who seems to find a way to make life difficult for our back four no matter what kit he is wearing. The downside is that Man City has a revitalized Tevez and a new face in Silva. Their midfield is stronger and we have to hope that Song wears the right boots and performs in the holding role in a manner more akin to last season. His elevation from "work in progress" to solid starter last season was not due to his touch in front of goal.

Defensively City look vulnerable and, as always, an early goal would most certainly help to unsettle their game plan. Like Chelsea, they are not a team that performs well when chasing. Pace will be important on both ends. In their defeat of Chelsea they displayed the tenacity and speed we were hoping to implement at Stamford Bridge, and it will be interesting to see if that blueprint is laid out today.

A win would be superb, delicious, massively satisfying and confidence boosted to dizzying heights. A draw acceptable but perhaps only to Arsenal fans, much in the same way as the Chelsea result. One only needed to witness the transition City made as a result of their victory over Chelsea to comprehend the importance of a win over a "top four" rival. Not only in the eyes of the press and pundits, but in the minds of opposition managers and their players. And most certainly to Arsenal players, their confidence and belief reinforced.

Wilshire missing is a blow. He seems to provide an energy in the midfield that allows Fabregas time on the ball while also relieving him of the physical burden required when having to be both playmaker and midfield "disruptor". With Song needed further back, and Diaby better suited to a more forward role, the responsibility may fall to Denilson.

Cesc played well and looked fit in the Champions League victory over FC Shakhtar Donetsk but hamstring injuries are notorious for never really going away. With the right effort from those around him he will be able to play his game without requiring the performance he heroically displayed last season against Aston Villa.


"27 Minutes of Brilliance"


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